Laserfiche WebLink
ATA Hawaii Island Section <br /> A section of <br /> The American Institute of Architects <br /> Honolulu Chapter <br /> November 7, 2007 <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 209 Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> RE: County of Hawaii - Bi1151 -TESTIMONY <br /> Good afternoon Chairman Hoffman and members of the Hawaii County Council. <br /> My name is Kari Kimura, Secretary of the American Institute of Architects, Hawaii Island <br /> Section. I am here to testify on behalf of the ALA in support of Bi1151 as brought forth by <br /> Council member Higa. To create this version of Bi1151, AIA architects, professional engineers <br /> of the Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers, the Engineering Division Head, and an <br /> Engineering Division Senior Plans Reviewer spent over eieht hours going over line byline of <br /> this document that will be before you today. We believe this is an appropriate process to amend <br /> technical codes. This process allowed design professionals and professionals chazged with <br /> enforcement the opportunity to come to an agreement on what is stated in the code and its <br /> meaning. This was no easy task and all those involved should be commended for their <br /> dedication. <br /> Please note that this version of Bi1151 has also been reviewed and approved by FEMA. And <br /> also note that the Higa Bill 51 goes beyond minimal compliance with NFIP. <br /> We have been involved in following Bill 51 since May of this yeaz when it came to full council. <br /> Since May, the AIA has continuously offered to assist in the creation of proper legislation. We <br /> have shown up to testify individually numerous times, we have shown up to testify in an <br /> orchestrated presentation of 4 minute segments to show you the numerous detail problems of Bill <br /> 151, and finally in our last meeting with you we all stood behind our AIA president to show you <br /> we are ALL still very concerned with the flawed technical language in Bill I51. <br /> We in the design community aze grateful that Stacy Higa had the openness to listen to our <br /> concerns and the willingness to sponsor a bill that has the backing of the professionals who work <br /> with this code. Without the Higa Bill 51, you on the Council would be forced to vote for Bill <br /> 151 or lose participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Fortunately you have a <br /> choice today, Bi1151 or Bill 151. <br /> We ask that you support the Higa Bi1151. <br /> Sincerely, American Institute of Architects, Hawaii Island Section, Executive Committee <br /> Robin Inaba, AIA President John Dinmore, AIA Treasurer <br /> <br /> Karl Kimura, AIA Secretary <br /> <br /> Clemson Lam, AIA Past-President John Pazazette, AIA Past-Treasurer <br /> <br /> Terrance Cisco, AIA Director Terry Dunlap, AIA Bi1151 ad hoc committee member <br /> P.O. Box 624 Holualoa, HI 96725 808-987-6146 kimura@alum.mit.edu <br /> I"j1v.172- <br /> Ref. Ta 'M1as~M <br /> Ref. Date NOV 7 <br /> <br />